Question 1

What is a canary diamond?

Accepted Answer

Canary diamond is a trade name for a natural yellow diamond with strong, pure yellow colour, usually graded Fancy Intense Yellow or Fancy Vivid Yellow. It is not a grade that GIA or other laboratories use. When buying, rely on the colour grade and natural colour origin stated on the lab report rather than on the name alone.

Question 2

Is a Z colour diamond a fancy yellow?

Accepted Answer

No. A Z colour diamond sits at the end of the normal D to Z scale and is graded as a white diamond with noticeable colour. Once the yellow is stronger than the Z masterstone, GIA grades it as a fancy colour, starting at Fancy Light Yellow. Fancy yellows are valued for their colour, unlike stones on the D to Z scale.

Question 3

Which cut is best for a yellow diamond?

Accepted Answer

Radiant and cushion cuts are popular for yellow diamonds because their faceting tends to concentrate and intensify colour face-up. Ovals, pears and emerald cuts are also used. A round brilliant usually shows less colour for the same material. The best choice depends on the rough and the look you want, but judge the stone face-up.

Question 4

Are yellow diamonds cheaper than white diamonds?

Accepted Answer

Lighter natural yellow diamonds are often priced below colourless diamonds of similar size and clarity, which makes them attractive for jewellery. Fancy Intense and Fancy Vivid yellows command much higher prices, and the finest can exceed comparable white diamonds. Pricing depends on intensity, purity of hue, size, clarity and a report confirming natural colour.

Natural Yellow Diamonds